Melissa officinalis subsp. altissima

Melissa officinalis subsp. altissima, also known as orange balm or orange-scented lemon balm, is a branching shrubby plant. This honey-bearing perennial is appreciated for the orange fragrance and mandarin flavour of its foliage. It is a robust perennial that is aromatic, condimental, and medicinal. It is very easy to cultivate in any type of soil, even poor and dry in summer. Its leaves will add a delicious note to your herbal teas and fruit salads. It is also used to flavour liqueurs. Plant it in spring or autumn and harvest it from April to October.

Lemon Balm is a very hardy and frugal plant, native to the eastern Mediterranean basin. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like mint, thyme, sage, or lavender. It is an herbaceous plant with a perennial base, whose above-ground growth emerges in spring and dries out in summer or autumn depending on the climate. Its name comes from the Greek word "melissa," which means 'bee,' alluding to its extremely nectar-rich and honey-like flowering. The name lemon balm refers to the lemon scent of its leaves, ideal for repelling mosquitoes in summer!

Melissa officinalis subsp. altissima is a subspecies native to Crete. It differs from the usual species by its thicker leaves, larger light lavender flowers, and the odour of its vegetation, described as foetid, but with surprising orange fragrances and a pronounced flavour reminiscent of mandarin. This branching and ramified plant can easily reach 80cm (32in) in all directions, its weakly suckering stump widening over the years. Its quadrangular and sturdy stems emerge from the ground in spring. They bear small, thick, hairy, wavy, triangular, light green leaves, which are aromatic when crushed. Flowering occurs more or less early depending on the climate, from May to July. Small, pale-mauve bilabiate flowers appear at the upper part of the stems, at the axils of the leaves. They are popular with pollinating insects. The flowers give way to tiny seeds that easily germinate in the garden. In warm and dry summers, the vegetation dries out shortly after flowering and the plant goes into dormancy. It will spend mild winters in the form of a very low tuft of leaves.

If possible, plant your orange balm in a somewhat isolated place as it will expand and could encroach on neighbouring plants. To prevent the balm from becoming invasive, remember to prune it during flowering. It is a very hardy plant that can thrive almost anywhere. It also grows well in pots, allowing you to control its spread.

In terms of cuisine, fresh or dried leaves add an orange note to infusions, salads, desserts, and liqueurs. When taken as an infusion before bedtime, orange balm has sedative properties, promoting relaxation and sleep. When rubbed, fresh leaves are recommended for repelling mosquitoes and relieving wasp, scorpion, and bee stings.

Harvest: Leaves can be harvested from April to October, as needed. Its aromatic qualities are concentrated in May-June (depending on the region). If you want to dry the leaves, cut the stems when they are in bud.

Storage: Consume the leaves fresh to fully enjoy their fragrance. You can freeze them for longer storage.